Xbox Video Launched On The Web, Windows Phone App Coming Soon

Microsoft today launched its Xbox Video service on the web, prior to launching the service’s app for Windows Phone devices. Just like the Xbox Video app for Windows 8.1, the web version will offer users access to TV shows and movies through video.xbox.com. The web version of Xbox Video looks quite like the Xbox Music’s web version. The service has actually been developed to replace Microsoft’s outdated Zune video service, which no longer allows customers to access media content.

Through the web version, users can stream TV shows and movies in the browser itself, though Microsoft’s Silverlight plug-in is going to be required. Content already purchased through the Windows 8.1 app or through Xbox One console will be available for streaming via the web version immediately. Users can also purchase content through Xbox Video on the web, the purchased content will then automatically and immediately become available for streaming through the Windows 8.1 app and Xbox One. While the service supports HD playback on both the console and Windows 8.1, unfortunately Xbox Video’s web version doesn’t support it. The Windows Phone app that is going to be launched soon will also not support HD quality playback. Microsoft was expected to launch the Windows Phone app alongside the web version, but it appears that the app isn’t ready for primetime just yet.